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Assignee: What it is, How it Works, Types

assignor and assignee

Michelle P. Scott is a New York attorney with extensive experience in tax, corporate, financial, and nonprofit law, and public policy. As General Counsel, private practitioner, and Congressional counsel, she has advised financial institutions, businesses, charities, individuals, and public officials, and written and lectured extensively.

assignor and assignee

Ariel Courage is an experienced editor, researcher, and former fact-checker. She has performed editing and fact-checking work for several leading finance publications, including The Motley Fool and Passport to Wall Street.

assignor and assignee

What Is an Assignee?

An assignee is a person, company, or entity who receives the transfer of property, title, or rights from another according to the terms of a contract. The assignee receives the transfer from the assignor. For example, an assignee may receive the title to a piece of real estate from an assignor.

Key Takeaways

  • An assignee is a person, company, or entity who receives the transfer of property, title, or rights from a contract.
  • The assignee receives the transfer from the assignor.
  • An assignee may be the recipient of an assignment, a liability, or appointed to act in the stead of another person or entity.
  • The assignee typically will hold the rights of power of attorney only for a specified time or for particular circumstances.
  • Once the time has expired or the circumstances have been resolved, the assignee would automatically relinquish those rights.
  • Not all assignment contracts are required to be made in writing, but they often are.

How an Assignee Works

An assignee may be the recipient of an assignment, a liability, or appointed to act in the stead of another person or entity. For example, an executor of an estate may be appointed through a will left by a decedent.

Types of Assignees

Assignee in real estate.

An assignee is the recipient of a title when a deed is signed to confer ownership of property in a transaction. A tenant might choose to transfer their property rights to an assignee who would assume duties for paying rent and tending to the property. There may be limits to the rights and liabilities that are granted to an assignee based on the nature of the transfer or assignment of rights.

For example, an assignee might take on the property rights from a tenant who vacated a rental property, but the tenant may still be liable if the assignee does not make rent payments on time. An assignee who takes title and ownership of real estate might not have certain rights to use the property any way they wish. There may be rights of ingress and egress that must be negotiated with adjacent property owners who hold surrounding land parcels. The assignee could receive certain rights that run with the land when they are granted the title.

Assignment by Power of Attorney

Power of attorney may be assigned to a person to tend to certain affairs for a person while they are out of the country or not capable of taking action for themselves. The assignment of power of attorney can grant broad rights or be limited in scope by the terms set by the assignor. The rights could be for the specific handling of a contract or business deal that the assignor cannot be present for.

The assignee typically will hold the rights of power of attorney only for a specified time or particular circumstances. Once the time has expired or the circumstances have been resolved, the assignee would automatically relinquish those rights. It is possible that the terms of power of attorney might allow an assignee to act in their self-interest rather than for the interests of the assignor.

Assignee in an Insurance Policy

In the context of a life insurance policy, interest in a policy can be transferred from the policyholder to a lender or relative by assignment of the policy. In this case, the policyholder is the assignor and the person in whose favor the policy has been assigned is called the assignee.

Assignee in a Contract

When one party to a contract—the assignor—hands off the contract's obligations and benefits to a different party—the assignee—this is known as an assignment of contract. In this situation, the assignee assumes all the rights and responsibilities of the contract from the assignor. All, or a portion, of a letter of credit can be assigned to a third party to pay vendors and suppliers.

Assignee in a Loan

An assignee is a person or a company that buys your loan. For example, an auto dealer that extends credit to individuals may sell their loans to a bank. In this case, the bank is the assignee and the auto dealer is the assignor. If your loan has been sold, you owe money to whoever owns your loan. In the event that responsible parties fail to meet their loan obligations, the assignee has a lien on the vehicle and can repossess it.

Not all assignment contracts are required to be made in writing, but they often are. Assignment contracts may also need to be notarized and witnessed in order to be valid. The assignment of property and collateral for loans must be in writing. Note that not all rights, contracts, or other property are assignable; many contracts, particularly real estate leases and personal service agreements, explicitly prohibit assignment. 

assignor and assignee

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What Is an Assignor?

Assignor Explained

assignor and assignee

Definition and Examples of an Assignor

How does an assignor work, assignor vs. delegator.

miodrag ignjatovic / Getty Images

An assignor is a party who transfers rights, property, or benefits to another party called “the assignee.”

An assignor is an original party to a contract who can give the rights, property, or benefits of that contract to another person (the assignee). An assignor can be an individual, group, business, or other entity. Once the assignment of contract is valid, the assignor’s rights to the contract are transferred to the assignee.

Here are a few examples of the role an assignor plays in some common scenarios.

The contract between a consumer with a car lease and a dealership is frequently assigned to a third party. The initial contract is signed between the car buyer and the car dealership when a vehicle is bought or leased. The buyer and the dealership are the two original party members of the contract. The car dealership (the assignor) will sell the loan on the car to a bank (the assignee) in an assignment. The bank now holds the rights to collect money from the car owner in exchange for ownership of the vehicle. The bank notifies the car owner (the “obligor”), and payments are made to the bank instead of the dealership.

In an auto loan scenario, the car dealership is the assignor, the bank is the assignee, and the car owner is the obligor.

Apartment Lease

It’s not uncommon for a tenant to move before the end of their lease. If the original contract allows for an assignment of the lease to another person, tenants can transfer that lease to another person in an assignment. It is more commonly called a lease takeover or lease transfer. Here, the tenant (assignor) transfers the rights of living in the property to the new tenant (assignee). The apartment community is the obligor, the original tenant is the assignor, and the new tenant is the assignee.

Real Estate

It’s also common to see assignments in real estate. One tool real estate investors may use is a real estate assignment contract. This is more commonly known as wholesaling , selling contracts, flipping contracts, or assignment of real estate.

In this type of transaction, a real estate investor finds a property to buy from an owner. They sign a contract for the property at a sales price they both agree to.

The contract language must allow for the contract to be assigned to a third party. If there is no language providing for the assignment of the contract, no assignment can be made.

Next, instead of closing the sale, the real estate investor will find a new buyer for the property at the agreed-upon contract price. What the real estate investor is selling is the right to buy the property from the original owner for the terms agreed on in the contract. In exchange, the real estate investor earns an assignment fee, usually around $5,000.

In this example, the original owner of the property is the obligor, the real estate investor is the assignor, and the end buyer is the assignee.

Generally speaking, all contract rights may be assigned by the assignor. There are a few exceptions, including where:

  • Prohibited by statute
  • The contract bans an assignment of contract
  • Assignment would materially change the risk or alter the duties of the obligor
  • The contract assigned is for personal services

An assignment takes place when the assignor is interested in finding a replacement to fulfill or receive the benefits of the original contract. It may be out of necessity, convenience, generosity, or another reason.

A failed business, for example, may need to find a replacement for the lease agreement on its place of business. Rather than continue to make payments to a landlord, the business (assignor) may be able to find a new tenant (assignee) to take the right of occupying the property in exchange for paying rent to the landlord (obligor). This is only possible if the contract allows for an assignment.

Another reason an assignor may want to transfer rights is for convenience. In a previous example, a car dealership (assignor) sold car loans to a bank (assignee). This frees up the dealership to sell cars instead of service loans. It makes more sense for the bank to service a car loan instead of a dealership doing so.

Each of the parties in the assignment has a role, as shown in the examples given.

The assignor’s role : The assignor is the party that transfers its contractual rights to another party. These contractual rights include both the contractual obligations and the benefits. The assignee steps into the assignor’s role to fulfill the contract with the obligor. The assignor no longer has a role in the contract after the assignment of the contract is complete.

An assignor only acts as an assignor when transferring rights and obligations of a contract to an assignee. In other words, the assignor would continue in its role as promisee (as opposed to assignor) if no assignment was made.

The assignee’s role : The assignee is the party that accepts the contractual rights from the assignor. The assignee can be an individual, group, business, or other entity. The assignee is not an original party to the contract, but steps in to fill the role specified in the contract by the assignor.

Once a valid assignment of rights has been made, the assignee should notify the obligor of the assignment. The assignor no longer has any role in the contract.

The obligor’s role : The obligor is the original party member with a contract with the assignor. When the contract is assigned from the assignor to the assignee, the obligor now owes the benefit (like rent or car payment) to the assignee.

An assignor is similar to a delegator. A delegator frees themselves of the responsibilities of the assignment by delegating them to a third party. However, unlike an assignor, a delegator is not completely free of the obligations (or benefits). If the delegatee fails to perform the duties of the assignment, the delegator is still responsible to perform the duties of the original contract.

Key Takeaways

  • An assignor is the person transferring rights and obligations to an assignee.
  • Assignors relinquish their rights and obligations to an assignee.
  • The original contract must allow for assignments in order for an assignor to transfer rights to an assignee.
  • Alternatively, contracts may be delegated instead of assigned.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. " What Is an Assignee of an Auto Loan? " Accessed Sept. 7, 2021.

Texas Land Title Institute. " Insuring Investor Transactions in Texas ." Page 24. Accessed Sept. 7, 2021.

Sam Houston State University. " 3rd Party Rights 4322-4324 ." Accessed Sept. 7, 2021.

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Assign is the act of transferring rights , property , or other benefits to another party (the assignee ) from the party who holds such benefits under contract (the assignor). This concept is used in both  contract  and property law . 

Contract Law  

Under contract law, when one party assigns a  contract , the assignment represents both: (1) an assignment of rights; and (2) a delegation of  duties . 

  • For example, if A contracts with B to teach B guitar for $50, A can assign this contract to C. 
  • Here, A has both: (1) assigned A’s rights under the contract to the $50; and (2) delegated A’s  duty  to teach guitar, to C. 
  • In this example, A is both the “assignor” and the “delegee” who delegates  the duties to another (C), C is known as the “ obligor ” who must perform the  obligations  to the  assignee , and B is the assignee who is owed duties and is liable to the obligor.

Assigning of Rights/Duties Under Contract Law

There are a few notable rules regarding assignments under contract law. 

First, if an individual has not yet secured the contract to perform duties to another, they cannot assign their future right to an assignee. 

  • That is, if A has not yet contracted with B to teach B guitar, A cannot assign their rights to C. 

Second, rights cannot be assigned when they  materially change the obligor’s duty and rights. 

Third, the obligor can sue the assignee directly if the assignee does not pay them. 

  • Following the previous example, this means that C ( obligor ) can sue B ( assignee ) if C teaches guitar to B, but B does not pay C $50 in return.

Delegation of Duties

If the promised performance requires a rare genius or skill, then the delegee cannot delegate it to the obligor. It can only be delegated if the promised  performance  is more commonplace. Further, an obligee can sue if the  assignee  does not perform.  However, the delegee is  secondarily liable  unless there has been an  express   release  of the delegee. 

  • Meaning if B does want C to teach guitar but C refuses to, then B can sue C. If C still refuses to perform, then B can compel A to fulfill the duties under secondary liability.

Lastly, a related concept is  novation , which is when a new obligor substitutes and releases an old obligor.  If novation occurs, then the original obligor’s duties are wiped out. Novation requires an original obligee’s  consent . 

Property Law

Under  property law , assignment typically arises in landlord-tenant situations.

  • For example, A might be renting from landlord B but wants another party (C) to take over the property. 
  • In this scenario, A might choose between  assigning  and  subleasing  the property to C. 
  • If  assigning , A would give C the entire balance of the term , with no reversion to anyone; whereas if  subleasing , A would give C the property for a limited period of the remaining term.
  • Under assignment, C would have  privity  of  estate  with the landlord while under a sublease, C would not. 

[Last updated in June of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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14.2: Assignment of Contract Rights

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Learning Objectives

  • Understand what an assignment is and how it is made.
  • Recognize the effect of the assignment.
  • Know when assignments are not allowed.
  • Understand the concept of assignor’s warranties

The Concept of a Contract Assignment

Contracts create rights and duties. By an assignment , an obligee (one who has the right to receive a contract benefit) transfers a right to receive a contract benefit owed by the obligor (the one who has a duty to perform) to a third person ( assignee ); the obligee then becomes an assignor (one who makes an assignment).

The Restatement (Second) of Contracts defines an assignment of a right as “a manifestation of the assignor’s intention to transfer it by virtue of which the assignor’s right to performance by the obligor is extinguished in whole or in part and the assignee acquires the right to such performance.”Restatement (Second) of Contracts, Section 317(1). The one who makes the assignment is both an obligee and a transferor. The assignee acquires the right to receive the contractual obligations of the promisor, who is referred to as the obligor (see Figure 14.1 "Assignment of Rights" ). The assignor may assign any right unless (1) doing so would materially change the obligation of the obligor, materially burden him, increase his risk, or otherwise diminish the value to him of the original contract; (2) statute or public policy forbids the assignment; or (3) the contract itself precludes assignment. The common law of contracts and Articles 2 and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) govern assignments. Assignments are an important part of business financing, such as factoring. A factor is one who purchases the right to receive income from another.

Figure 14.1 Assignment of Rights

Screen Shot 2020-03-26 at 2.35.54 PM.png

Method of Assignment

Manifesting assent.

To effect an assignment, the assignor must make known his intention to transfer the rights to the third person. The assignor’s intention must be that the assignment is effective without need of any further action or any further manifestation of intention to make the assignment. In other words, the assignor must intend and understand himself to be making the assignment then and there; he is not promising to make the assignment sometime in the future.

Under the UCC, any assignments of rights in excess of $5,000 must be in writing, but otherwise, assignments can be oral and consideration is not required: the assignor could assign the right to the assignee for nothing (not likely in commercial transactions, of course). Mrs. Franklin has the right to receive $750 a month from the sale of a house she formerly owned; she assigns the right to receive the money to her son Jason, as a gift. The assignment is good, though such a gratuitous assignment is usually revocable, which is not the case where consideration has been paid for an assignment.

Acceptance and Revocation

For the assignment to become effective, the assignee must manifest his acceptance under most circumstances. This is done automatically when, as is usually the case, the assignee has given consideration for the assignment (i.e., there is a contract between the assignor and the assignee in which the assignment is the assignor’s consideration), and then the assignment is not revocable without the assignee’s consent. Problems of acceptance normally arise only when the assignor intends the assignment as a gift. Then, for the assignment to be irrevocable, either the assignee must manifest his acceptance or the assignor must notify the assignee in writing of the assignment.

Notice to the obligor is not required, but an obligor who renders performance to the assignor without notice of the assignment (that performance of the contract is to be rendered now to the assignee) is discharged. Obviously, the assignor cannot then keep the consideration he has received; he owes it to the assignee. But if notice is given to the obligor and she performs to the assignor anyway, the assignee can recover from either the obligor or the assignee, so the obligor could have to perform twice, as in Exercise 2 at the chapter’s end, Aldana v. Colonial Palms Plaza . Of course, an obligor who receives notice of the assignment from the assignee will want to be sure the assignment has really occurred. After all, anybody could waltz up to the obligor and say, “I’m the assignee of your contract with the bank. From now on, pay me the $500 a month, not the bank.” The obligor is entitled to verification of the assignment.

Effect of Assignment

General rule.

An assignment of rights effectively makes the assignee stand in the shoes of the assignor. He gains all the rights against the obligor that the assignor had, but no more. An obligor who could avoid the assignor’s attempt to enforce the rights could avoid a similar attempt by the assignee. Likewise, under UCC Section 9-318(1), the assignee of an account is subject to all terms of the contract between the debtor and the creditor-assignor. Suppose Dealer sells a car to Buyer on a contract where Buyer is to pay $300 per month and the car is warranted for 50,000 miles. If the car goes on the fritz before then and Dealer won’t fix it, Buyer could fix it for, say, $250 and deduct that $250 from the amount owed Dealer on the next installment (called a setoff). Now, if Dealer assigns the contract to Assignee, Assignee stands in Dealer’s shoes, and Buyer could likewise deduct the $250 from payment to Assignee.

The “shoe rule” does not apply to two types of assignments. First, it is inapplicable to the sale of a negotiable instrument to a holder in due course. Second, the rule may be waived: under the UCC and at common law, the obligor may agree in the original contract not to raise defenses against the assignee that could have been raised against the assignor.Uniform Commercial Code, Section 9-206. While a waiver of defenses makes the assignment more marketable from the assignee’s point of view, it is a situation fraught with peril to an obligor, who may sign a contract without understanding the full import of the waiver. Under the waiver rule, for example, a farmer who buys a tractor on credit and discovers later that it does not work would still be required to pay a credit company that purchased the contract; his defense that the merchandise was shoddy would be unavailing (he would, as used to be said, be “having to pay on a dead horse”).

For that reason, there are various rules that limit both the holder in due course and the waiver rule. Certain defenses, the so-called real defenses (infancy, duress, and fraud in the execution, among others), may always be asserted. Also, the waiver clause in the contract must have been presented in good faith, and if the assignee has actual notice of a defense that the buyer or lessee could raise, then the waiver is ineffective. Moreover, in consumer transactions, the UCC’s rule is subject to state laws that protect consumers (people buying things used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes), and many states, by statute or court decision, have made waivers of defenses ineffective in such consumer transactions . Federal Trade Commission regulations also affect the ability of many sellers to pass on rights to assignees free of defenses that buyers could raise against them. Because of these various limitations on the holder in due course and on waivers, the “shoe rule” will not govern in consumer transactions and, if there are real defenses or the assignee does not act in good faith, in business transactions as well.

When Assignments Are Not Allowed

The general rule—as previously noted—is that most contract rights are assignable. But there are exceptions. Five of them are noted here.

Material Change in Duties of the Obligor

When an assignment has the effect of materially changing the duties that the obligor must perform, it is ineffective. Changing the party to whom the obligor must make a payment is not a material change of duty that will defeat an assignment, since that, of course, is the purpose behind most assignments. Nor will a minor change in the duties the obligor must perform defeat the assignment.

Several residents in the town of Centerville sign up on an annual basis with the Centerville Times to receive their morning paper. A customer who is moving out of town may assign his right to receive the paper to someone else within the delivery route. As long as the assignee pays for the paper, the assignment is effective; the only relationship the obligor has to the assignee is a routine delivery in exchange for payment. Obligors can consent in the original contract, however, to a subsequent assignment of duties. Here is a clause from the World Team Tennis League contract: “It is mutually agreed that the Club shall have the right to sell, assign, trade and transfer this contract to another Club in the League, and the Player agrees to accept and be bound by such sale, exchange, assignment or transfer and to faithfully perform and carry out his or her obligations under this contract as if it had been entered into by the Player and such other Club.” Consent is not necessary when the contract does not involve a personal relationship.

Assignment of Personal Rights

When it matters to the obligor who receives the benefit of his duty to perform under the contract, then the receipt of the benefit is a personal right that cannot be assigned. For example, a student seeking to earn pocket money during the school year signs up to do research work for a professor she admires and with whom she is friendly. The professor assigns the contract to one of his colleagues with whom the student does not get along. The assignment is ineffective because it matters to the student (the obligor) who the person of the assignee is. An insurance company provides auto insurance covering Mohammed Kareem, a sixty-five-year-old man who drives very carefully. Kareem cannot assign the contract to his seventeen-year-old grandson because it matters to the insurance company who the person of its insured is. Tenants usually cannot assign (sublet) their tenancies without the landlord’s permission because it matters to the landlord who the person of their tenant is. Section 14.4.1 "Nonassignable Rights" , Nassau Hotel Co. v. Barnett & Barse Corp. , is an example of the nonassignability of a personal right.

Assignment Forbidden by Statute or Public Policy

Various federal and state laws prohibit or regulate some contract assignment. The assignment of future wages is regulated by state and federal law to protect people from improvidently denying themselves future income because of immediate present financial difficulties. And even in the absence of statute, public policy might prohibit some assignments.

Contracts That Prohibit Assignment

Assignability of contract rights is useful, and prohibitions against it are not generally favored. Many contracts contain general language that prohibits assignment of rights or of “the contract.” Both the Restatement and UCC Section 2-210(3) declare that in the absence of any contrary circumstances, a provision in the agreement that prohibits assigning “the contract” bars “only the delegation to the assignee of the assignor’s performance.”Restatement (Second) of Contracts, Section 322. In other words, unless the contract specifically prohibits assignment of any of its terms, a party is free to assign anything except his or her own duties.

Even if a contractual provision explicitly prohibits it, a right to damages for breach of the whole contract is assignable under UCC Section 2-210(2) in contracts for goods. Likewise, UCC Section 9-318(4) invalidates any contract provision that prohibits assigning sums already due or to become due. Indeed, in some states, at common law, a clause specifically prohibiting assignment will fail. For example, the buyer and the seller agree to the sale of land and to a provision barring assignment of the rights under the contract. The buyer pays the full price, but the seller refuses to convey. The buyer then assigns to her friend the right to obtain title to the land from the seller. The latter’s objection that the contract precludes such an assignment will fall on deaf ears in some states; the assignment is effective, and the friend may sue for the title.

Future Contracts

The law distinguishes between assigning future rights under an existing contract and assigning rights that will arise from a future contract. Rights contingent on a future event can be assigned in exactly the same manner as existing rights, as long as the contingent rights are already incorporated in a contract. Ben has a long-standing deal with his neighbor, Mrs. Robinson, to keep the latter’s walk clear of snow at twenty dollars a snowfall. Ben is saving his money for a new printer, but when he is eighty dollars shy of the purchase price, he becomes impatient and cajoles a friend into loaning him the balance. In return, Ben assigns his friend the earnings from the next four snowfalls. The assignment is effective. However, a right that will arise from a future contract cannot be the subject of a present assignment.

Partial Assignments

An assignor may assign part of a contractual right, but only if the obligor can perform that part of his contractual obligation separately from the remainder of his obligation. Assignment of part of a payment due is always enforceable. However, if the obligor objects, neither the assignor nor the assignee may sue him unless both are party to the suit. Mrs. Robinson owes Ben one hundred dollars. Ben assigns fifty dollars of that sum to his friend. Mrs. Robinson is perplexed by this assignment and refuses to pay until the situation is explained to her satisfaction. The friend brings suit against Mrs. Robinson. The court cannot hear the case unless Ben is also a party to the suit. This ensures all parties to the dispute are present at once and avoids multiple lawsuits.

Successive Assignments

It may happen that an assignor assigns the same interest twice (see Figure 14.2 "Successive Assignments" ). With certain exceptions, the first assignee takes precedence over any subsequent assignee. One obvious exception is when the first assignment is ineffective or revocable. A subsequent assignment has the effect of revoking a prior assignment that is ineffective or revocable. Another exception: if in good faith the subsequent assignee gives consideration for the assignment and has no knowledge of the prior assignment, he takes precedence whenever he obtains payment from, performance from, or a judgment against the obligor, or whenever he receives some tangible evidence from the assignor that the right has been assigned (e.g., a bank deposit book or an insurance policy).

Some states follow the different English rule: the first assignee to give notice to the obligor has priority, regardless of the order in which the assignments were made. Furthermore, if the assignment falls within the filing requirements of UCC Article 9 (see Chapter 33 "Secured Transactions and Suretyship" ), the first assignee to file will prevail.

Figure 14.2 Successive Assignments

Screen Shot 2020-03-26 at 2.36.41 PM.png

Assignor’s Warranties

An assignor has legal responsibilities in making assignments. He cannot blithely assign the same interests pell-mell and escape liability. Unless the contract explicitly states to the contrary, a person who assigns a right for value makes certain assignor’s warranties to the assignee: that he will not upset the assignment, that he has the right to make it, and that there are no defenses that will defeat it. However, the assignor does not guarantee payment; assignment does not by itself amount to a warranty that the obligor is solvent or will perform as agreed in the original contract. Mrs. Robinson owes Ben fifty dollars. Ben assigns this sum to his friend. Before the friend collects, Ben releases Mrs. Robinson from her obligation. The friend may sue Ben for the fifty dollars. Or again, if Ben represents to his friend that Mrs. Robinson owes him (Ben) fifty dollars and assigns his friend that amount, but in fact Mrs. Robinson does not owe Ben that much, then Ben has breached his assignor’s warranty. The assignor’s warranties may be express or implied.

Key Takeaway

Generally, it is OK for an obligee to assign the right to receive contractual performance from the obligor to a third party. The effect of the assignment is to make the assignee stand in the shoes of the assignor, taking all the latter’s rights and all the defenses against nonperformance that the obligor might raise against the assignor. But the obligor may agree in advance to waive defenses against the assignee, unless such waiver is prohibited by law.

There are some exceptions to the rule that contract rights are assignable. Some, such as personal rights, are not circumstances where the obligor’s duties would materially change, cases where assignability is forbidden by statute or public policy, or, with some limits, cases where the contract itself prohibits assignment. Partial assignments and successive assignments can happen, and rules govern the resolution of problems arising from them.

When the assignor makes the assignment, that person makes certain warranties, express or implied, to the assignee, basically to the effect that the assignment is good and the assignor knows of no reason why the assignee will not get performance from the obligor.

  • If Able makes a valid assignment to Baker of his contract to receive monthly rental payments from Tenant, how is Baker’s right different from what Able’s was?
  • Able made a valid assignment to Baker of his contract to receive monthly purchase payments from Carr, who bought an automobile from Able. The car had a 180-day warranty, but the car malfunctioned within that time. Able had quit the auto business entirely. May Carr withhold payments from Baker to offset the cost of needed repairs?
  • Assume in the case in Exercise 2 that Baker knew Able was selling defective cars just before his (Able’s) withdrawal from the auto business. How, if at all, does that change Baker’s rights?
  • Why are leases generally not assignable? Why are insurance contracts not assignable?

Legal Dictionary

The Law Dictionary for Everyone

A person or entity that signs over or transfers their rights to any property or asset to another person or entity. A concept commonly used in contract law , an individual or entity has the right of assignment, which entails one party (the “assigner”) transferring the rights or benefits of a contract to another party (the “assignee”). To explore this concept, consider the following assignor definition.

Definition of Assign

  • One who transfers assets or property to another

13th century  Middle English assigner

Assignment of Contract

U.S. law allows most contracts to be assigned, and most duties under a contract may be delegated, unless there is some special character of the duty. In a situation in which a party to a contract does not want the contract to be assignable, specific language must be put into the contract to that effect. An assignment of contract transfers only the rights or benefits of the contract, the obligations remaining with the original party, the “assignor.” Additionally, no assignment of contract can affect the other, non-assigning party to the contract or reduce his benefits from the contract.

Example of Assignment of Contract

Sally enters into a contract with Tom, the owner of Stay-Fresh Diaper Service, to have clean cloth diapers delivered to her house twice a week. Tom assigns the contract (and thus the weekly income) to another diaper service, notifying Sally of the change. Sally continues to receive regular diaper deliveries, and her contract is now with the new service.

Assignment of a contract does not necessarily relieve the assignor of his duties or liability under the contract. For example, if the new diaper service in the example above failed to deliver clean diapers as scheduled, or otherwise fails to uphold the provisions of the contract, Tom may be held liable to fulfill the terms of the agreement.

Consent to Assignment

In the case of a contract permitted to be assigned by law, the assignor is not required to consult or seek the permission of the other party to the contract, so long as the assignment has no material effect on that party. A contract may include a clause prohibiting assignment such as:

This agreement may not be assigned to any other person or entity without the express prior written consent of the other party or its successor in interest.

No party to this agreement may assign any responsibility , right, or interest arising out of this agreement, in whole or in part, without the express prior written consent of the other party or its successor in interest.

These provisions may also include the phrase “consent to assignment of this agreement may not be unreasonably or unduly withheld.” Any party seeking consent to assign their rights under a contract should document the agreement in writing, with all parties to the original contract signing.

Assignment Agreement

While it is necessary to put an assignment agreement in writing, no specific language is required to make it legally binding. There should, however, be certain elements, including a clear statement identifying the contractual rights and benefits being transferred to the assignee, a specific statement of the benefit of the assignment to the assignor, and the effective date. An assignment must occur in the present, as a promise to assign contractual benefits at a later date generally has no legal effect. An exception may be made when a prior economic relationship between the assignor and assignee exists, and the promise of such assignment induced the assignee to enter into another agreement.

For example, Mary would like to borrow $1,000 from Sam. She expects to make an agreement, in 2 months, to sell her antique piano for $1,500 to her neighbor. Mary promises to assign the entire amount from the sale of the piano to Sam if he loans her the money now. Sam is enticed into taking the assignment of a future contract by the prospect of profiting 50 percent on the deal.

In certain situations a unique relationship between the parties to a contract exists making it impossible to assign the contract without changing the responsibilities under, or benefits from, the terms of the contract. For example, Sam and Emma hired a band to play at their engagement party. The band could not take the couple’s money, then assign the gig to another band because Sam and Emma hired that specific band to entertain their guests. This is more accurately called “delegation,” as the band might seek to delegate their responsibilities under the contract.

The counterpart to assignment, delegation involves assignment of a party’s duties, responsibilities, or liabilities under a contract, rather than rights. A clause in the contract barring assignment may also contain language barring delegation. For example, “Neither party may assign or delegate its rights or obligations under this agreement.” To allow assignment or delegation with the approval of the other party, adding the phrase “without the express prior written consent of the other party” enables such a transaction.

Related Legal Terms and Issues

  • Contract – an agreement between two or more parties in which a promise is made to do or provide something in return for a valuable benefit.
  • Consent – to approve, permit, or agree

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Assignments: The Basic Law

The assignment of a right or obligation is a common contractual event under the law and the right to assign (or prohibition against assignments) is found in the majority of agreements, leases and business structural documents created in the United States.

As with many terms commonly used, people are familiar with the term but often are not aware or fully aware of what the terms entail. The concept of assignment of rights and obligations is one of those simple concepts with wide ranging ramifications in the contractual and business context and the law imposes severe restrictions on the validity and effect of assignment in many instances. Clear contractual provisions concerning assignments and rights should be in every document and structure created and this article will outline why such drafting is essential for the creation of appropriate and effective contracts and structures.

The reader should first read the article on Limited Liability Entities in the United States and Contracts since the information in those articles will be assumed in this article.

Basic Definitions and Concepts:

An assignment is the transfer of rights held by one party called the “assignor” to another party called the “assignee.” The legal nature of the assignment and the contractual terms of the agreement between the parties determines some additional rights and liabilities that accompany the assignment. The assignment of rights under a contract usually completely transfers the rights to the assignee to receive the benefits accruing under the contract. Ordinarily, the term assignment is limited to the transfer of rights that are intangible, like contractual rights and rights connected with property. Merchants Service Co. v. Small Claims Court , 35 Cal. 2d 109, 113-114 (Cal. 1950).

An assignment will generally be permitted under the law unless there is an express prohibition against assignment in the underlying contract or lease. Where assignments are permitted, the assignor need not consult the other party to the contract but may merely assign the rights at that time. However, an assignment cannot have any adverse effect on the duties of the other party to the contract, nor can it diminish the chance of the other party receiving complete performance. The assignor normally remains liable unless there is an agreement to the contrary by the other party to the contract.

The effect of a valid assignment is to remove privity between the assignor and the obligor and create privity between the obligor and the assignee. Privity is usually defined as a direct and immediate contractual relationship. See Merchants case above.

Further, for the assignment to be effective in most jurisdictions, it must occur in the present. One does not normally assign a future right; the assignment vests immediate rights and obligations.

No specific language is required to create an assignment so long as the assignor makes clear his/her intent to assign identified contractual rights to the assignee. Since expensive litigation can erupt from ambiguous or vague language, obtaining the correct verbiage is vital. An agreement must manifest the intent to transfer rights and can either be oral or in writing and the rights assigned must be certain.

Note that an assignment of an interest is the transfer of some identifiable property, claim, or right from the assignor to the assignee. The assignment operates to transfer to the assignee all of the rights, title, or interest of the assignor in the thing assigned. A transfer of all rights, title, and interests conveys everything that the assignor owned in the thing assigned and the assignee stands in the shoes of the assignor. Knott v. McDonald’s Corp ., 985 F. Supp. 1222 (N.D. Cal. 1997)

The parties must intend to effectuate an assignment at the time of the transfer, although no particular language or procedure is necessary. As long ago as the case of National Reserve Co. v. Metropolitan Trust Co ., 17 Cal. 2d 827 (Cal. 1941), the court held that in determining what rights or interests pass under an assignment, the intention of the parties as manifested in the instrument is controlling.

The intent of the parties to an assignment is a question of fact to be derived not only from the instrument executed by the parties but also from the surrounding circumstances. When there is no writing to evidence the intention to transfer some identifiable property, claim, or right, it is necessary to scrutinize the surrounding circumstances and parties’ acts to ascertain their intentions. Strosberg v. Brauvin Realty Servs., 295 Ill. App. 3d 17 (Ill. App. Ct. 1st Dist. 1998)

The general rule applicable to assignments of choses in action is that an assignment, unless there is a contract to the contrary, carries with it all securities held by the assignor as collateral to the claim and all rights incidental thereto and vests in the assignee the equitable title to such collateral securities and incidental rights. An unqualified assignment of a contract or chose in action, however, with no indication of the intent of the parties, vests in the assignee the assigned contract or chose and all rights and remedies incidental thereto.

More examples: In Strosberg v. Brauvin Realty Servs ., 295 Ill. App. 3d 17 (Ill. App. Ct. 1st Dist. 1998), the court held that the assignee of a party to a subordination agreement is entitled to the benefits and is subject to the burdens of the agreement. In Florida E. C. R. Co. v. Eno , 99 Fla. 887 (Fla. 1930), the court held that the mere assignment of all sums due in and of itself creates no different or other liability of the owner to the assignee than that which existed from the owner to the assignor.

And note that even though an assignment vests in the assignee all rights, remedies, and contingent benefits which are incidental to the thing assigned, those which are personal to the assignor and for his sole benefit are not assigned. Rasp v. Hidden Valley Lake, Inc ., 519 N.E.2d 153, 158 (Ind. Ct. App. 1988). Thus, if the underlying agreement provides that a service can only be provided to X, X cannot assign that right to Y.

Novation Compared to Assignment:

Although the difference between a novation and an assignment may appear narrow, it is an essential one. “Novation is a act whereby one party transfers all its obligations and benefits under a contract to a third party.” In a novation, a third party successfully substitutes the original party as a party to the contract. “When a contract is novated, the other contracting party must be left in the same position he was in prior to the novation being made.”

A sublease is the transfer when a tenant retains some right of reentry onto the leased premises. However, if the tenant transfers the entire leasehold estate, retaining no right of reentry or other reversionary interest, then the transfer is an assignment. The assignor is normally also removed from liability to the landlord only if the landlord consents or allowed that right in the lease. In a sublease, the original tenant is not released from the obligations of the original lease.

Equitable Assignments:

An equitable assignment is one in which one has a future interest and is not valid at law but valid in a court of equity. In National Bank of Republic v. United Sec. Life Ins. & Trust Co. , 17 App. D.C. 112 (D.C. Cir. 1900), the court held that to constitute an equitable assignment of a chose in action, the following has to occur generally: anything said written or done, in pursuance of an agreement and for valuable consideration, or in consideration of an antecedent debt, to place a chose in action or fund out of the control of the owner, and appropriate it to or in favor of another person, amounts to an equitable assignment. Thus, an agreement, between a debtor and a creditor, that the debt shall be paid out of a specific fund going to the debtor may operate as an equitable assignment.

In Egyptian Navigation Co. v. Baker Invs. Corp. , 2008 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 30804 (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 14, 2008), the court stated that an equitable assignment occurs under English law when an assignor, with an intent to transfer his/her right to a chose in action, informs the assignee about the right so transferred.

An executory agreement or a declaration of trust are also equitable assignments if unenforceable as assignments by a court of law but enforceable by a court of equity exercising sound discretion according to the circumstances of the case. Since California combines courts of equity and courts of law, the same court would hear arguments as to whether an equitable assignment had occurred. Quite often, such relief is granted to avoid fraud or unjust enrichment.

Note that obtaining an assignment through fraudulent means invalidates the assignment. Fraud destroys the validity of everything into which it enters. It vitiates the most solemn contracts, documents, and even judgments. Walker v. Rich , 79 Cal. App. 139 (Cal. App. 1926). If an assignment is made with the fraudulent intent to delay, hinder, and defraud creditors, then it is void as fraudulent in fact. See our article on Transfers to Defraud Creditors .

But note that the motives that prompted an assignor to make the transfer will be considered as immaterial and will constitute no defense to an action by the assignee, if an assignment is considered as valid in all other respects.

Enforceability of Assignments:

Whether a right under a contract is capable of being transferred is determined by the law of the place where the contract was entered into. The validity and effect of an assignment is determined by the law of the place of assignment. The validity of an assignment of a contractual right is governed by the law of the state with the most significant relationship to the assignment and the parties.

In some jurisdictions, the traditional conflict of laws rules governing assignments has been rejected and the law of the place having the most significant contacts with the assignment applies. In Downs v. American Mut. Liability Ins. Co ., 14 N.Y.2d 266 (N.Y. 1964), a wife and her husband separated and the wife obtained a judgment of separation from the husband in New York. The judgment required the husband to pay a certain yearly sum to the wife. The husband assigned 50 percent of his future salary, wages, and earnings to the wife. The agreement authorized the employer to make such payments to the wife.

After the husband moved from New York, the wife learned that he was employed by an employer in Massachusetts. She sent the proper notice and demanded payment under the agreement. The employer refused and the wife brought an action for enforcement. The court observed that Massachusetts did not prohibit assignment of the husband’s wages. Moreover, Massachusetts law was not controlling because New York had the most significant relationship with the assignment. Therefore, the court ruled in favor of the wife.

Therefore, the validity of an assignment is determined by looking to the law of the forum with the most significant relationship to the assignment itself. To determine the applicable law of assignments, the court must look to the law of the state which is most significantly related to the principal issue before it.

Assignment of Contractual Rights:

Generally, the law allows the assignment of a contractual right unless the substitution of rights would materially change the duty of the obligor, materially increase the burden or risk imposed on the obligor by the contract, materially impair the chance of obtaining return performance, or materially reduce the value of the performance to the obligor. Restat 2d of Contracts, § 317(2)(a). This presumes that the underlying agreement is silent on the right to assign.

If the contract specifically precludes assignment, the contractual right is not assignable. Whether a contract is assignable is a matter of contractual intent and one must look to the language used by the parties to discern that intent.

In the absence of an express provision to the contrary, the rights and duties under a bilateral executory contract that does not involve personal skill, trust, or confidence may be assigned without the consent of the other party. But note that an assignment is invalid if it would materially alter the other party’s duties and responsibilities. Once an assignment is effective, the assignee stands in the shoes of the assignor and assumes all of assignor’s rights. Hence, after a valid assignment, the assignor’s right to performance is extinguished, transferred to assignee, and the assignee possesses the same rights, benefits, and remedies assignor once possessed. Robert Lamb Hart Planners & Architects v. Evergreen, Ltd. , 787 F. Supp. 753 (S.D. Ohio 1992).

On the other hand, an assignee’s right against the obligor is subject to “all of the limitations of the assignor’s right, all defenses thereto, and all set-offs and counterclaims which would have been available against the assignor had there been no assignment, provided that these defenses and set-offs are based on facts existing at the time of the assignment.” See Robert Lamb , case, above.

The power of the contract to restrict assignment is broad. Usually, contractual provisions that restrict assignment of the contract without the consent of the obligor are valid and enforceable, even when there is statutory authorization for the assignment. The restriction of the power to assign is often ineffective unless the restriction is expressly and precisely stated. Anti-assignment clauses are effective only if they contain clear, unambiguous language of prohibition. Anti-assignment clauses protect only the obligor and do not affect the transaction between the assignee and assignor.

Usually, a prohibition against the assignment of a contract does not prevent an assignment of the right to receive payments due, unless circumstances indicate the contrary. Moreover, the contracting parties cannot, by a mere non-assignment provision, prevent the effectual alienation of the right to money which becomes due under the contract.

A contract provision prohibiting or restricting an assignment may be waived, or a party may so act as to be estopped from objecting to the assignment, such as by effectively ratifying the assignment. The power to void an assignment made in violation of an anti-assignment clause may be waived either before or after the assignment. See our article on Contracts.

Noncompete Clauses and Assignments:

Of critical import to most buyers of businesses is the ability to ensure that key employees of the business being purchased cannot start a competing company. Some states strictly limit such clauses, some do allow them. California does restrict noncompete clauses, only allowing them under certain circumstances. A common question in those states that do allow them is whether such rights can be assigned to a new party, such as the buyer of the buyer.

A covenant not to compete, also called a non-competitive clause, is a formal agreement prohibiting one party from performing similar work or business within a designated area for a specified amount of time. This type of clause is generally included in contracts between employer and employee and contracts between buyer and seller of a business.

Many workers sign a covenant not to compete as part of the paperwork required for employment. It may be a separate document similar to a non-disclosure agreement, or buried within a number of other clauses in a contract. A covenant not to compete is generally legal and enforceable, although there are some exceptions and restrictions.

Whenever a company recruits skilled employees, it invests a significant amount of time and training. For example, it often takes years before a research chemist or a design engineer develops a workable knowledge of a company’s product line, including trade secrets and highly sensitive information. Once an employee gains this knowledge and experience, however, all sorts of things can happen. The employee could work for the company until retirement, accept a better offer from a competing company or start up his or her own business.

A covenant not to compete may cover a number of potential issues between employers and former employees. Many companies spend years developing a local base of customers or clients. It is important that this customer base not fall into the hands of local competitors. When an employee signs a covenant not to compete, he or she usually agrees not to use insider knowledge of the company’s customer base to disadvantage the company. The covenant not to compete often defines a broad geographical area considered off-limits to former employees, possibly tens or hundreds of miles.

Another area of concern covered by a covenant not to compete is a potential ‘brain drain’. Some high-level former employees may seek to recruit others from the same company to create new competition. Retention of employees, especially those with unique skills or proprietary knowledge, is vital for most companies, so a covenant not to compete may spell out definite restrictions on the hiring or recruiting of employees.

A covenant not to compete may also define a specific amount of time before a former employee can seek employment in a similar field. Many companies offer a substantial severance package to make sure former employees are financially solvent until the terms of the covenant not to compete have been met.

Because the use of a covenant not to compete can be controversial, a handful of states, including California, have largely banned this type of contractual language. The legal enforcement of these agreements falls on individual states, and many have sided with the employee during arbitration or litigation. A covenant not to compete must be reasonable and specific, with defined time periods and coverage areas. If the agreement gives the company too much power over former employees or is ambiguous, state courts may declare it to be overbroad and therefore unenforceable. In such case, the employee would be free to pursue any employment opportunity, including working for a direct competitor or starting up a new company of his or her own.

It has been held that an employee’s covenant not to compete is assignable where one business is transferred to another, that a merger does not constitute an assignment of a covenant not to compete, and that a covenant not to compete is enforceable by a successor to the employer where the assignment does not create an added burden of employment or other disadvantage to the employee. However, in some states such as Hawaii, it has also been held that a covenant not to compete is not assignable and under various statutes for various reasons that such covenants are not enforceable against an employee by a successor to the employer. Hawaii v. Gannett Pac. Corp. , 99 F. Supp. 2d 1241 (D. Haw. 1999)

It is vital to obtain the relevant law of the applicable state before drafting or attempting to enforce assignment rights in this particular area.

Conclusion:

In the current business world of fast changing structures, agreements, employees and projects, the ability to assign rights and obligations is essential to allow flexibility and adjustment to new situations. Conversely, the ability to hold a contracting party into the deal may be essential for the future of a party. Thus, the law of assignments and the restriction on same is a critical aspect of every agreement and every structure. This basic provision is often glanced at by the contracting parties, or scribbled into the deal at the last minute but can easily become the most vital part of the transaction.

As an example, one client of ours came into the office outraged that his co venturer on a sizable exporting agreement, who had excellent connections in Brazil, had elected to pursue another venture instead and assigned the agreement to a party unknown to our client and without the business contacts our client considered vital. When we examined the handwritten agreement our client had drafted in a restaurant in Sao Paolo, we discovered there was no restriction on assignment whatsoever…our client had not even considered that right when drafting the agreement after a full day of work.

One choses who one does business with carefully…to ensure that one’s choice remains the party on the other side of the contract, one must master the ability to negotiate proper assignment provisions.

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Assignment Agreement

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An assignment agreement is a contract that authorizes a person to transfer their rights, obligations, or interests in a contract or property to another person. It serves as a means for the assignor to delegate duties and advantages to a third party while the assignee assumes those privileges and obligations. This blog post will discuss assignment agreement, its purpose, essential elements, and implementation practices.

Key Functions of an Assignment Agreement

Below are some key functions of an assignment agreement.

  • Facilitating Clear Transfer of Rights and Obligations: Assignment agreement plays a vital role in diverse industries and business transactions by facilitating a transparent transfer of rights and obligations between parties. These agreements encompass intellectual property rights, contractual duties, asset ownership, and other legal entitlements. By clearly defining the assignment's scope and nature, both parties can ensure a smooth transition without any uncertainties.
  • Ensuring Protection of Interest: Another important objective of the assignment agreement is safeguarding the assignor and assignee's interests. These agreements provide a legal framework that protects the assignee's rights while relieving the assignor of responsibilities and liabilities associated with the assigned asset or contract. This protection ensures that neither party faces unexpected consequences or disputes during or after the assignment.
  • Outlining Consensus on Terms and Conditions : Assignments often involve intricate terms and conditions, necessitating mutual understanding between the assignor and assignee. Assignment agreement serves as binding documents that outline the assignment's terms and conditions, including payment terms, timelines, performance expectations, and specific requirements. By reaching a consensus on these details, both parties can minimize potential conflicts and align their expectations.
  • Complying with Legal Laws: Ensuring legal compliance and enforceability is an important objective of the assignment agreement. Also, it is prudent to create these documents according to the relevant rules, regulations, and industry requirements. By adhering to legal guidelines, the assignment agreement becomes a robust legal instrument that provides a solid foundation for potential legal action in case of breaches or disputes.
  • Maintaining Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure: Many assignments involve confidential information, proprietary knowledge, or trade secrets that require protection. An objective of the assignment agreement is to establish clear guidelines regarding the confidentiality and non-disclosure of such information. These guidelines define the scope of confidential information, specify restrictions on its use or disclosure, and outline the consequences of any breaches. By ensuring clarity in these aspects, the agreement protects the interests of both parties and fosters a sense of trust .

Best Practices for Crafting an Assignment Agreement

Assignment agreements are vital in different business transactions, transferring rights and obligations from one person to another. Whether it's a merger, acquisition, or contract assignment, implementing an assignment agreement needs thorough consideration and adherence to best practices to ensure a seamless and lawfully sound process. Below are some key practices to follow when implementing an assignment agreement.

  • Identifying the Parties Involved: The initial step in implementing an assignment agreement is to identify the parties participating in the assignment agreement. It is vital to accurately define the assignor, who will transfer the rights, and the assignee, who will receive them. The assignment agreement should include precise details of both parties' names and contact information.
  • Defining the Scope and Extent of Assignment: It is imperative to define the assignment's scope and extent clearly to prevent potential disputes or ambiguity in the future. It specifies the rights, benefits, and obligations transferred from the assignor to the assignee. In addition, specific details such as intellectual property rights, contractual obligations, and any relevant limitations or conditions should be explicitly outlined.
  • Reviewing and Understanding Existing Contracts or Agreements: Assignment agreements often transfer rights and obligations from preexisting contracts or agreements. It is essential to thoroughly review and comprehend these existing contracts to facilitate a seamless transfer. Identifying any provisions restricting or prohibiting assignment is important and should be addressed accordingly. Seeking legal advice is advisable to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
  • Obtaining Consent from Relevant Parties: In some cases, obtaining consent from third parties directly affected by the transfer of rights and obligations may be necessary. Also, it is important to identify these parties and obtain their consent in writing if required. Failure to get permission may lead to legal complications and a potential breach of contract .
  • Crafting a Comprehensive Assignment Agreement: Upon collecting all relevant data, it is time to create a comprehensive assignment agreement. This agreement should utilize unambiguous language to define the rights and obligations transferred, specify the effective date of the assignment, and outline any other relevant terms and conditions. Engaging legal professionals specializing in contract law is highly recommended to ensure the agreement's legal validity and enforceability.
  • Seeking Legal Advice and Performing Review: It is important to seek legal advice and conduct a thorough review before finalizing the assignment agreement. Experienced attorneys can provide valuable insights, identify potential risks, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The legal review helps minimize the likelihood of errors or oversights that could result in future disputes or legal challenges.
  • Executing and Recording the Assignment Agreement: Once the assignment agreement has been reviewed and approved, both parties should implement the document by signing it. Also, to enhance its enforceability, it is advisable to have the assignment agreement witnessed or notarized, depending on the jurisdiction's legal requirements. Additionally, maintaining a record of the executed contract is essential for future reference and as evidence of the assignment.
  • Communicating the Assignment: Effective communication of the assignment to all relevant parties is important after executing the assignment agreement. Stakeholders, such as employees, clients, suppliers, and contractors, should be notified about the transfer of rights and obligations. It ensures a smooth transition and minimizes potential disruptions or misunderstandings.
  • Documenting and Ensuring Compliance: Lastly, it is imperative to maintain proper documentation and ensure ongoing compliance with the assignment agreement's terms. Keeping copies of all relevant documents, including the assignment agreement, consent, and communications related to the assignment, is important. Regularly reviewing and monitoring compliance with the assignment agreement allows for prompt resolution of any issues and helps maintain a transparent and accountable process.

assignor and assignee

Benjamin W.

assignor and assignee

Key Terms for Assignment Agreements

  • Assignor: The individual or entity that transfers their rights, responsibilities, or interests to another party using an assignment agreement. And by doing so, the assignor relinquishes any claims and duties associated with the assigned property, contract, or legal entitlements.
  • Assignee: The individual or entity that receives the rights, interests, or obligations through an assignment agreement. The assignee assumes the transferred rights and responsibilities, essentially taking on the role of the assignor.
  • Obligor: Refers to the party bound by a duty or obligation under a contractual or legal agreement. In an assignment agreement, the obligor is the party whose performance or obligations are assigned to the assignee.
  • Assignable Rights: These are the specific rights or interests that can be transferred from the assignor to the assignee via an assignment agreement. These include intellectual property rights, contractual rights, real estate interests, royalties, and other lawful entitlements.
  • Consideration: The value or benefit exchanged between the parties in an assignment agreement. Also, consideration is commonly paid in monetary payment, goods, services, or promises. It represents what each party gains or sacrifices as part of the assignment.
  • Notice of Assignment: A formal written notification provided by the assignor to the obligor, serving as a communication of the assignment of rights, interests, or obligations to the assignee. This notice establishes the assignee's rights and enables the obligor to fulfill their duties to the correct party.

Final Thoughts on Assignment Agreements

In a nutshell, assignment agreement plays an important role in business transactions, allowing for transferring of rights, duties, and interests between parties. Moreover, by understanding these objectives and addressing them through well-drafted assignment agreement, businesses and individuals can engage in assignments with confidence and clarity. Also, since an assignment agreement includes several legal complexities, it is rational to consult a professional attorney who can guide you through the process.

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I am a Lawyer/CPA/Technology Startup Advisor/Executive with experience in global corporate law and finance, startup finance, accounting, technology, and business operations with a focus on startups of all kinds and non-profits. I have worked at a large international finance law firm, one of the Big Four Accounting firms, technology startups and non-profits. I help startups and non-profits get organized, get funded, and get going. I've seen all the mistakes made (often more than once), and so I can help you learn from, rather than repeat, history. I know all the insider rules, so you end up getting a fair start and a fair deal, rather than getting taken advantage of (whether an entrepreneur or an investor). My expertise includes: - organization of corporations | organizations of llcs | non-profits and dealing with the IRS - splitting equity | founder structure | founder equity | founder disputes - startup valuation | pitch decks and forecasts | raising capital | finding angel investors, accelerators and venture investors - SAFEs | convertible notes | preferred stock | restricted stock | stock options | 409A - Advisors - setting up cyber-secure business operations - trademarks | patents | intellectual property - employment law - cyber liability and ecommerce including privacy policies and terms of service - accounting and tax - litigation management References: https://www.upcounsel.com/profile/tjlovejr#reviews LION: LinkedIn Open Networker / connect with me at [email protected]

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Curt Brown has experience advising clients on a variety of franchising, business litigation, transactional, and securities law matters. Mr. Brown's accolades include: - Super Lawyers Rising Star - California Lawyer of the Year by The Daily Journal - Pro Bono Attorney of the Year the USC Public Interest Law Fund Curt started his legal career in the Los Angeles office of the prestigious firm of Irell & Manella LLP, where his practice focused on a wide variety of complex civil litigation matters, including securities litigation, antitrust, trademark, bankruptcy, and class action defense. Mr. Brown also has experience advising mergers and acquisitions and international companies concerning cyber liability and class action defense. He is admitted in California, Florida, D.C., Washington, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.

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Shelia A. Huggins is a 20-year North Carolina licensed attorney, focusing primarily on business, contracts, arts and entertainment, social media, and internet law. She previously served on the Board of Visitors for the North Carolina Central University School of Business and the Board of Advisors for the Alamance Community College Small Business Center. Ms. Huggins has taught Business and Entertainment Law at North Carolina Central University’s law school and lectured on topics such as business formation, partnerships, independent contractor agreements, social media law, and employment law at workshops across the state. You can learn more about me here: www.sheliahugginslaw.com www.instagram.com/mslegalista www.youtube.com/mslegalista www.facebook.com/sheliahuugginslaw

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I am a New York attorney with 10 years as a licensed attorney and over 7 years of experience working with technology companies in the startup global ecosystem. I have direct experience advising global startups on the legal, regulatory, technology and policy issues that affect their business and competitive strategy. I am a multifaceted, globally-minded Attorney and Business Strategist who is changing the perspective of the law in business from a reactive need to a proactive tool. My legal & business strategic skill-set provides robust, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented legal services in the following areas: Drafting, Reviewing, and Negotiating (Redlining) various commercial contracts and licensing agreements; Drafting and Reviewing Employment Contracts; Contract Management using Contract Management Software; Influencer Marketing Intellectual Property Law (excluding Patent law); and Data Privacy such as GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, LGPD, and HIPAA; and Cybersecurity Law, including creating privacy by design frameworks. NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS: Recently achieved certifications in Ironclad Contract Management Software/Lifecycle Management, specifically: Contract Owner; Core Administration; Procurement Workflow; Sales Workflow; and Clickwrap Core Administration; Contributed to the creation of new jurisprudence in international administrative and international employment law; Drove high level contract negotiations in an international capacity where I achieved positive results for my client; and Achieved competency in Business Strategy, Business Growth Strategy, Strategic Planning and Execution, and Advanced Competitive Strategy, resulting in the publication of my legal based business strategic frameworks by leading marketplace for best business practices.

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Morgan is a real estate attorney with six years of experience in residential, land, and commercial real estate transactions. He has experience assisting municipalities, businesses, buyers and sellers in real estate related matters. He has worked on various projects including purchase agreements, contract for deed, easements, mortgages, access agreements, contract/lease review and also title review. Prior to entering private practice, Morgan was a Realtor and assisted buyers and sellers in residential sales and closing services. Morgan provides proactive, responsive and dependable work to each client and project.

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assignor and assignee

Understanding an assignment and assumption agreement

Need to assign your rights and duties under a contract? Learn more about the basics of an assignment and assumption agreement.

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assignor and assignee

by   Belle Wong, J.D.

Belle Wong, is a freelance writer specializing in small business, personal finance, banking, and tech/SAAS. She ...

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Updated on: January 22, 2024 · 3min read

The assignment and assumption agreement

The basics of assignment and assumption, filling in the assignment and assumption agreement.

While every business should try its best to meet its contractual obligations, changes in circumstance can happen that could necessitate transferring your rights and duties under a contract to another party who would be better able to meet those obligations.

Person presenting documents to another person who is signing them

If you find yourself in such a situation, and your contract provides for the possibility of assignment, an assignment and assumption agreement can be a good option for preserving your relationship with the party you initially contracted with, while at the same time enabling you to pass on your contractual rights and duties to a third party.

An assignment and assumption agreement is used after a contract is signed, in order to transfer one of the contracting party's rights and obligations to a third party who was not originally a party to the contract. The party making the assignment is called the assignor, while the third party accepting the assignment is known as the assignee.

In order for an assignment and assumption agreement to be valid, the following criteria need to be met:

  • The initial contract must provide for the possibility of assignment by one of the initial contracting parties.
  • The assignor must agree to assign their rights and duties under the contract to the assignee.
  • The assignee must agree to accept, or "assume," those contractual rights and duties.
  • The other party to the initial contract must consent to the transfer of rights and obligations to the assignee.

A standard assignment and assumption contract is often a good starting point if you need to enter into an assignment and assumption agreement. However, for more complex situations, such as an assignment and amendment agreement in which several of the initial contract terms will be modified, or where only some, but not all, rights and duties will be assigned, it's a good idea to retain the services of an attorney who can help you draft an agreement that will meet all your needs.

When you're ready to enter into an assignment and assumption agreement, it's a good idea to have a firm grasp of the basics of assignment:

  • First, carefully read and understand the assignment and assumption provision in the initial contract. Contracts vary widely in their language on this topic, and each contract will have specific criteria that must be met in order for a valid assignment of rights to take place.
  • All parties to the agreement should carefully review the document to make sure they each know what they're agreeing to, and to help ensure that all important terms and conditions have been addressed in the agreement.
  • Until the agreement is signed by all the parties involved, the assignor will still be obligated for all responsibilities stated in the initial contract. If you are the assignor, you need to ensure that you continue with business as usual until the assignment and assumption agreement has been properly executed.

Unless you're dealing with a complex assignment situation, working with a template often is a good way to begin drafting an assignment and assumption agreement that will meet your needs. Generally speaking, your agreement should include the following information:

  • Identification of the existing agreement, including details such as the date it was signed and the parties involved, and the parties' rights to assign under this initial agreement
  • The effective date of the assignment and assumption agreement
  • Identification of the party making the assignment (the assignor), and a statement of their desire to assign their rights under the initial contract
  • Identification of the third party accepting the assignment (the assignee), and a statement of their acceptance of the assignment
  • Identification of the other initial party to the contract, and a statement of their consent to the assignment and assumption agreement
  • A section stating that the initial contract is continued; meaning, that, other than the change to the parties involved, all terms and conditions in the original contract stay the same

In addition to these sections that are specific to an assignment and assumption agreement, your contract should also include standard contract language, such as clauses about indemnification, future amendments, and governing law.

Sometimes circumstances change, and as a business owner you may find yourself needing to assign your rights and duties under a contract to another party. A properly drafted assignment and assumption agreement can help you make the transfer smoothly while, at the same time, preserving the cordiality of your initial business relationship under the original contract.

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Assignee vs. Assignor — What's the Difference?

assignor and assignee

Difference Between Assignee and Assignor

Table of contents, key differences.

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Assignor vs. Assignee Differences You Need to Know Between the Two!

assignor and assignee

An assignor and assignee are both parties in a contract assignment.

These parties each have a different role in the contract assignment.

The assignor is the person who owns the rights to property that they are giving to someone else.

The third party to which the assignor is transferring their property is the assignee.

Assignment is a typical part of contract law and appears in a variety of contractual agreements.

It is the practice of transferring one party’s obligations and rights to another party.

What is an Assignor?

A business or person who grants the obligations or rights it possesses to a property to another person is an assignor.

The assignor may place limits on the assignee and enforce these conditions to restrict the assignee’s use of the property.

These limits need to be included in the contract.

There are also some contracts in which the assignor still maintains some contractual obligations.

The assignor may be required to guarantee or give assurance concerning the performance of the contract involved.

The guarantee would be given to ensure that should the assignee not fulfill the terms of the contract, the assignor would be under the obligation to do so.

Assignor vs. Assignee

What is an Assignee?

An assignee is an entity or person who is being granted the obligations and rights of a contract from an assignor.

An assignee is not an original party to the contract.

Instead, the assignee is given their obligations and rights by the assignor.

An assignee could be granted the rights to anything by the assignor as long as the assignor possesses the rights to the property.

This could be intellectual property, real estate,or property, among others.

The benefits or property may be intangible or tangible.

The assignor determines the benefits or rights to be granted.

Assignor or Assignee

Key takeaways.

  • An assignor possesses the right to place limits on the scope of operation of an assignee as well as enforce more conditions for the assignment of the contract.
  • An assignee and assignor are both parties to the one contract. The assignor is the person transferring their property rights to another person. The assignee is the person to whom the property is being transferred.
  • The assignee must return the property rights to the assignor once the period of assignment is ended.

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California State University " CHAPTER 17 - THIRD PARTY CONTRACTS " Page 1 . March 30, 2022

Assignor Definition: Everything You Need to Know

An assignor definition is an entity that owns rights to a piece of property and then grants those rights to a different entity. 3 min read updated on February 01, 2023

An assignor definition is an entity that owns rights to a piece of property and then grants those rights to a different entity. 

What is an Assignor?

When a person or business owns rights to some type of property, and they then give those rights to another person or business, they are known as an assignor. The person granted the rights is called the assignee.

Assigning rights to property is quite common, and when it occurs, the assignor is allowed to place restrictions on how the assignee can use the property. Before property can be assigned, a contract will need to be created. This contract should name the person or entity who is receiving rights to the property.

In the contract, the assignor should list any limitations that they wish to place on the assignee. If both the assignor and the assignee approve of the language of the contract, they can sign the contract and exchange the property. Assignors can only sell a piece of property if they own property rights .

The sale can be contested if someone else feels that the assignor does not hold property rights. If the sale is contested in court, the assignor will need to provide documentation proving their rights, such as a:

One of the most common situations, when property is assigned, takes place before construction of a home. The assignor buys the property rights and then sells those rights to the assignee for a profit. Depending on the type of property being assigned, different rules and requirements can apply. For example, there are a variety of conditions that must be fulfilled before intellectual property can be assigned. 

Assignor Examples

There are several types of property that can be assigned besides physical property, such as real estate. For example, it is possible to assign contractual rights or intellectual property . However, regardless of the type of property being assigned, the assignor will need to prove that they actually own those rights before the contract can be executed.

When assigning a piece of real estate, the assignor will need to own the property's deed or have land rights. Once the assignment has occurred, the assignee will be responsible for all fees and taxes resulting from the transfer of rights. Although less common than assigning property, it's also possible to assign intellectual property rights, including:

  • Copyrights.
  • Trademarks.

Intellectual property rights can only be transferred by contract. Contractual rights are another type of right that can be assigned. When an assignor transfers their contractual rights to the assignee, this person will be responsible for fulfilling the duties of the contract, even though they are not a named party. However, if it is found that the assignment is illegal or alters the contract in some way, courts usually will not uphold the assignment.

There are a few circumstances where an assignment is prohibited:

  • Personal injury lawsuits.
  • Claims that involve the government.
  • Future wages. 

What is an Assignment of Contract?

An assignment of contract is when a party who is named in a contract grants their rights and responsibilities to a third-party. In most cases, contract assignments occur when the assignor wants someone else to take over their contractual duties. For this to occur, the assignee must be informed of their obligations, as well as their rights.

For an assignment to be successful, there are several factors that come into play. However, the most important part of an assignment is the wording of the contract. In certain cases, it's possible that a contract will expressly forbid assignment, meaning transferring contract rights would be in possible. It may also be possible that a contract will only allow assignment after the third-party has consented.

If you sign a contract to have milk delivered to your house on a daily basis, and the dairy assigns this responsibility to another dairy, your contract would now be with the new company. 

When assigning contractual rights, the assignor should be aware that they may still be liable for breach of contract. Certain contracts will include language that requires that the original party guarantee contractual performance, even if they have assigned their duties to another person. If a contract has this provision, and you are the assignor, you can be sued if the assignee does not fulfill their obligations.

If you need help understanding the assignor definition, you can post your legal needs on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.

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Definition of assignee

  • representative

Examples of assignee in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assignee.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Dictionary Entries Near assignee

assigned risk

Cite this Entry

“Assignee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assignee. Accessed 22 Feb. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of assignee, legal definition, legal definition of assignee, more from merriam-webster on assignee.

Britannica English: Translation of assignee for Arabic Speakers

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IMAGES

  1. Parties in an Assignment: Rights of the Assignee, Assignor & Obligor

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  2. Assignor vs. Assignee

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  3. Assignor vs. Assignee

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  4. Assignor vs Assignee: Fundamental Differences Of These Terms

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  5. Assignee in Insurance that means

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  6. Fixed term contract: Assignor vs assigner

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COMMENTS

  1. Assignor vs Assignee

    An assignor passes on the rights and obligations of the contract assignment. An assignee receives the rights and obligations of the contract assignment. An assignor is an original party to the contract. The assignee is a third party who is later included in the contract. An assignor holds the ultimate rights of the contract throughout the period.

  2. Assignor: What It Means, How It Works, and Example

    An assignor is a person or entity who transfers rights or benefits to another individual, the assignee. Assignors can be used in various situations, such as estate management, power of attorney, lending, or life insurance. Learn how to assign rights, what can be assigned, and the difference between assignor and assignee.

  3. Assignor vs Assignee: Fundamental Differences Of These Terms

    The use of assignor and assignee may not be applicable in this situation as the original party remains responsible for the performance of the contract. 4. Third-party Beneficiary. A third-party beneficiary is a person who benefits from a contract between two other parties. In this case, the assignor is the original party to the contract, but ...

  4. Assignee & Assignor

    These parties are the assignee, the assignor, and the obligor. For example, let's say that I sell my TV to Red for $2,000. Red doesn't have $2,000 right now, so he executes an agreement to pay me ...

  5. assignee

    Assignee is a person to whom a right is transferred by the person holding such rights under the contract (the "assignor"). The act of transferring is called "assigning" or "assignment". Assignee can be a party to a contract or a tenant in a property lease. Learn more about assignee under contract and property law with examples and rules.

  6. Assignee: What it is, How it Works, Types

    Assignee: A person, company or entity who receives the transfer of property, title or rights from a contract. The assignee receives the transfer from the assignor. For example, an assignee may ...

  7. Assignor vs. Assignee: Differences and Definition

    Assignor and assignee are terms used for the legal transfer of rights, benefits, and obligations between two parties. The assignor is the original beneficiary of a contract or property. The assignee is the third party that is receiving the benefits, rights, and obligations of a contract or property.

  8. What Is an Assignor?

    An assignor is a party who transfers rights, property, or benefits to another party called the assignee. Learn the definition, examples, and how an assignor works in different scenarios, such as auto loans, leases, and real estate.

  9. assignment

    Assignment is a legal term whereby an individual, the "assignor," transfers rights, property, or other benefits to another known as the " assignee .". This concept is used in both contract and property law. The term can refer to either the act of transfer or the rights /property/benefits being transferred.

  10. assign

    Assign is the act of transferring rights, property, or other benefits to another party (the assignee) from the party who holds such benefits under contract (the assignor). This concept is used in both contract and property law. Contract Law Under contract law, when one party assigns a contract, the assignment represents both: (1) an assignment of rights; and (2) a delegation of duties.

  11. An Assignee In Business Law: What You Need To Know

    The term "assignee" refers to a specific person who is assigned to complete an assignment. The person appointed to act for another. A person who is legally permitted to own or inherit a right or property. An assignor is a person assigned to one entity and an assignee is a person assigned to another.

  12. 14.2: Assignment of Contract Rights

    Acceptance and Revocation. For the assignment to become effective, the assignee must manifest his acceptance under most circumstances. This is done automatically when, as is usually the case, the assignee has given consideration for the assignment (i.e., there is a contract between the assignor and the assignee in which the assignment is the assignor's consideration), and then the assignment ...

  13. Assignor

    An exception may be made when a prior economic relationship between the assignor and assignee exists, and the promise of such assignment induced the assignee to enter into another agreement. For example, Mary would like to borrow $1,000 from Sam. She expects to make an agreement, in 2 months, to sell her antique piano for $1,500 to her neighbor.

  14. Assignments: The Basic Law

    Assignments: The Basic Law. The assignment of a right or obligation is a common contractual event under the law and the right to assign (or prohibition against assignments) is found in the majority of agreements, leases and business structural documents created in the United States. As with many terms commonly used, people are familiar with the ...

  15. Assignment Agreement: What You Need to Know

    The assignee assumes the transferred rights and responsibilities, essentially taking on the role of the assignor. Obligor: Refers to the party bound by a duty or obligation under a contractual or legal agreement. In an assignment agreement, the obligor is the party whose performance or obligations are assigned to the assignee.

  16. Understanding an assignment and assumption agreement

    The party making the assignment is called the assignor, while the third party accepting the assignment is known as the assignee. In order for an assignment and assumption agreement to be valid, the following criteria need to be met: The initial contract must provide for the possibility of assignment by one of the initial contracting parties.

  17. Assignee vs. Assignor

    Assignee and assignor are legal terms often used in contracts and property transactions. The assignee is the individual or entity that receives or is assigned rights, obligations, or property. In contrast, the assignor is the original holder of these rights, obligations, or property, who transfers them to the assignee. Tayyaba Rehman.

  18. Assignment (law)

    Assignment [1] is a legal term used in the context of the laws of contract and of property. In both instances, assignment is the process whereby a person, the assignor, transfers rights or benefits to another, the assignee. [2] An assignment may not transfer a duty, burden or detriment without the express agreement of the assignee.

  19. Assignor vs. Assignee

    An assignor and assignee are both parties in a contract assignment. These parties each have a different role in the contract assignment. The assignor is the person who owns the rights to property that they are giving to someone else. The third party to which the assignor is transferring their property is the assignee.

  20. Assignee vs Assignor

    In lang=en terms the difference between assignee and assignor is that assignee is one to whom rights or property is being transferred while assignor is the person or party which makes an assignment. As nouns the difference between assignee and assignor is that assignee is one to whom a thing is assigned while assignor is the person or party which makes an assignment.

  21. Assignor Definition: Everything You Need to Know

    The assignor buys the property rights and then sells those rights to the assignee for a profit. Depending on the type of property being assigned, different rules and requirements can apply. For example, there are a variety of conditions that must be fulfilled before intellectual property can be assigned.

  22. Assignee Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of ASSIGNEE is a person to whom an assignment is made.

  23. Assigner vs Assignor: Differences And Uses For Each One

    In some jurisdictions, assignor and assignee may be the preferred terms, while in others, assigner and assignee might be more commonly used. For example, in common law jurisdictions like the United States, assignor and assignee are frequently employed, whereas in civil law jurisdictions like France, assigner and assignataire are the prevailing ...

  24. Approved by OMB (Office of Management and Budget) 3060-0031 October

    understanding between Assignor and Assignee; and (iii) these agreements comply fully with the Commission's rules and policies No If the transaction is involuntary, the Assignor certifies that court orders or other authorizing documents have been issued and that it has placed in the licensee's/permittee's

  25. PDF I, , ("Assignor") hereby assign to , ("Assignee")

    I, , ("Assignor") hereby assign to , ("Assignee") all rights privileges and remedies to payment for health care services provided by assignee to which I am entitled under Article 51 (the No-Fault statute) of the Insurance Law. to the contrary. This agreement may be revoked by the assignee when benefits are not payable based upon the assignor ...

  26. PDF Income Tax Topics: Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

    A purchaser or lessee may assign the allowable credit, including both the base credit and any additional credit, to a motor vehicle dealer or financing entity who accepts assignment of the credit (the "assignee"). The assignment must be completed at the time of purchase or lease by executing the required election statement. The assignee